England and Manchester United star Mason Mount has reached out to the family of Bolton dad, who remains in an induced coma weeks after being critically injured in a devastating crash.
Lewis Rimmer, 41-year-old garage owner and dad-of-two was struck by a Range Rover that then crashed into the wall of the Sainsbury’s on Darwen Road, Bromley Cross, on October 27.
Lewis, described by friends as “loved by everyone who knows him,” had taken half a day off work to take his daughters Amelia, ten, and Maddison, five, for a birthday lunch over half term when tragedy struck.
After undergoing 30 hours of surgery, he has remained in a critical condition, with his family keeping a constant vigil at his bedside.
Family friend Andy Tonge, 42, said the family was really pleased when Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount sent a personal video message to Lewis’s partner Sarah and their two daughters.
Andy said: “So many people have donated, offered direct support to the family, or sent positive thoughts and energy to Lewis, including Mason Mount from Manchester United, who sent a video message to Sarah, Amelia, and Maddison.
"They’re big Manchester United supporters, so this was lovely to receive, what a guy.”
In the clip, Mason shared his condolences to the family and said he was so sorry to hear what happened and that "everyone at Manchester United is thinking of them and sending all their love."
Andy said the crash has “shocked” the whole community.
He added: “It’s shaken so many because it could so easily have been a child who might not have been as strong as Lewis is proving to be.
“Many feel that Lewis’s strength and fight over the last few weeks is nothing short of remarkable.”
A GoFundMe page, Support Lewis Rimmer’s Recovery and His Family, has seen an outpouring of generosity, with nearly 2,000 donations received to help support Sarah, Amelia, and Maddison as Lewis continues his recovery.
With over £100,000 raised Andy said the fundraiser has "genuinely lifted them."
“When the time comes to make necessary changes to their home and daily life, they’ll be able to focus on Lewis without the added pressure of financial worries." he said.
Andy said the wave of community spirit has shown “the North West at its best.”
“Personally, it makes me proud to come from the North West, this is our community at its very best, rallying around an ordinary bloke and his beautiful family.” he added.
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Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.
He has been released on bail while the Serious Collision Unit continues its investigation.
Anyone with information should call 0161 856 4741, quoting reference number 1481 of October 27.
